Maybe Being an Influencer is Not All Glamorous

Jake Shane, the 24-year-old TikTok sensation known for his comedic skits and engaging content, has seen his popularity skyrocket, amassing 3.2 million followers. While his videos offer a welcome escape for many, Shane is candid about the personal struggles that accompany his newfound fame.

“I’ve had a really hard few weeks. I don’t know why,” Shane shares during a Zoom call from Los Angeles. “It’s the summer blues, I guess. I kind of feel like I’m reaching a breaking point, just full transparency. You know, when you’re like on the verge of a breakdown? I don’t know if that’s what people want to hear, but that is the truth.”

Despite his success, Shane’s rising anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have become prominent challenges. His videos, which range from humorous reenactments of historical events to emotional venting sessions, resonate with fans not only for their entertainment value but also for their authenticity. Shane’s podcast, “Therapuss,” where he plays an amateur therapist and engages with celebrities like Charli XCX and Joe Jonas, further underscores his commitment to discussing mental health openly.

Kevin Chapman, founder of the Kentucky Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, notes, “The stigma with mental health has decreased significantly over the past several decades, and I think it’s because people are talking about it, particularly celebrities.”

Shane, who initially gained attention for his unique food reviews and historical skits, saw his follower count surge from 60,000 to 1 million within a week after his viral content began to gain traction. His latest endeavors include dance challenges and sing-alongs, but with each success, Shane grapples with heightened anxiety. “The bigger the podcast gets, the more out of control of my narrative I feel,” he admits. “And that’s really scary to me, and that triggers a lot of anxiety and OCD thoughts.”

Shane’s career is set to expand with a “Therapuss” tour across the U.S. and Canada this fall, but he expresses concerns about balancing his growing fame with his mental well-being. “It’s frustrating because there will be really, really good things that happen, and I’m so scared of basking in the good moment or being happy, because I’m just so scared of it going away,” he confesses.

Growing up gay, Shane experienced significant anxiety about his identity, although he has since become more comfortable with himself. Nevertheless, he admits that the gay and queer “scene” still intimidates him.

As Shane continues to navigate the complexities of fame, he remains committed to his passion for entertainment while striving to manage his mental health challenges. His openness about his struggles offers a refreshing perspective on the pressures faced by modern influencers.